"
They can't play jazz. They look too boy-rock,
"
the women in music listings declared upon viewing
Galactic's
band photo. But I popped the enhanced
CD into the computer, and funk-filled jazz wafted
through the cubicle. All doubts were erased. These
fresh-faced white kids from New Orleans can play.
When they came to D.C. a few months back, their
show was tight. They even summoned a groove from
the too-cool-to-break-a-sweat Euros at the 18th
Street Lounge. Some people call it acid jazz, but
Galactic definitely pulls strains from Trouble
Funk and Booker T and the MGs. Their music savvy
matches the level of their stage show. Following
in the footsteps of Medeski Martin and Wood, they
have built up their name from touring constantly.
The CD is titled
Coolin' Off,
but I
gay-ron-tee the temperature in State of the Union
will be anything but, once they get rockin.

- Holly Bass

Check out Galactic's website at
http://www.fogworld.com/galactic
for more info on the band and their nonstop tour schedule. You can also
listen to their entire album online, in stereo and for free!